UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Four up-and-coming steeplechase riders, all girls, have been chosen for the trip of a lifetime to Ireland to see how racing is conducted overseas

The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation recently selected four amateur jockeys, approximately between the ages of 17 and 23, to attend the TGSF Developing Rider International Trip from July 23-31.

To be considered for the experience, the jockeys must first be nominated by a licensed NSA trainer by a letter of recommendation.

Nominated riders, typically between 17 and 23, must have race riding experience and provide a written essay stating why they would like to attend the trip.

The jockeys selected to attend this year’s trip include Skylar McKenna of Unionville, Pa., Elizabeth Scully of Owings Mills, Md., Virginia Korrell of West Chester, Pa., and Chloe Hannum of Marshall, Va.

Skylar McKenna (Photo by Tod Marks)Elizabeth Scully (Photo by Tod Marks)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former TGSF Chairman Sam Slater is the mastermind behind the trip, which is based out of his families Cahervillahow estate in the Golden Vale region of County Tipperary.

 

“THE INTENTION of this trip was to introduce young amateur American jockeys to how other parts of the world train flat and jump race horses," said Slater. "We want these up and coming riders to have a chance to make connections with Irish trainers that they normally would otherwise not come in contact with. A few of the past attendees have gone to work in Ireland after their experience on the trip.”

Virginia Korrell (Photo by Tod Marks)Chloe Hannum (Photo by Douglas Lees)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The trip will be led by NSA licensed trainer Regina Welsh, the founder and director of U.S. Pony Racing, who has also led the three previous TGSF trips to Ireland.

Along with Slater and his wife Lornie Forbes, Welsh will see to it that the riders meet, ride, and work for top Irish trainers like Gordon Elliot, Edward O’Grady, Enda Bolger, and Fozzy Stack.

The group will also tour top racing businesses and venues like The Curragh, Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle, as well as take in the first day of the Galway Festival.

The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation promotes the betterment of American steeplechase racing, and supports amateur and young rider programs to help ensure the future of the sport.

For more information visit www.nationalsteeplechasefoundation.org or contact the TGSF Developing Rider Manager, Regina Welsh at 410-340-2347 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.